These six tactics help managers boost remote workers’ wellbeing

As long-term remote working has become more common since the Covid pandemic, managers face a new challenge of ensuring the wellbeing of remote team members.

Supporting the holistic health of employees in a remote work setting goes beyond just productivity—it encompasses mental, emotional, and physical aspects. Here are some meaningful ways managers can contribute to the wellbeing of their remote workers:

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Open, transparent, and consistent communication is fundamental in a remote work environment. Managers should facilitate regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and provide accessible platforms for employees to voice their concerns and share updates. This not only fosters a sense of connection but also helps in identifying and addressing potential challenges early on.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance: In remote work, the boundaries between professional and personal life can often become blurred. By encouraging remote workers to establish regular work hours and take scheduled breaks, managers can help prevent burnout and promote a healthier work-life balance. Additionally, offering flexibility and understanding individual needs can contribute to a more sustainable and fulfilling work experience.

3. Provide Resources for Mental Health Support: Managers should ensure that their remote team members have access to resources that support mental health and wellbeing. This could involve offering mental health days, providing information on counseling services, or arranging workshops and training on stress management and resilience.
   
   
   
4. Measure / Quantify psychosocial hazards: To understand which psychosocial hazards are impacting the remote staff, a science-based system for measuring these should be implemented. This will help managers to understand the issues that are present and how they can help their remote teams. SaferMe Safety Snap can capture these insights in less than 60 seconds per week. 

5. Foster a Supportive Team Culture: Creating a culture of support and collaboration is paramount in a remote work environment. Managers can facilitate virtual team-building activities, encourage peer mentorship, and celebrate achievements to cultivate a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the team.

6. Prioritize Individual Growth and Development: Remote workers, like any other employees, benefit from opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement. Managers should actively engage in discussions about career goals, provide access to learning resources, and offer developmental opportunities to empower their team members and demonstrate investment in their long-term success.

The wellbeing of remote workers is a shared responsibility and managers play a pivotal role in creating an environment that nurtures and supports their team members. A supportive and compassionate approach can go a long way in ensuring the satisfaction and productivity of remote workers.

SaferMe’s Safety Snap gives you peace of mind about the wellbeing of your remote workers. Book a free demo to see how it could you better manage your remote team.